Having both of these in my collection, I lean towards the JBL due to more depth and presence. I'm big on Emotiva gear but between these 2, I give JBL the edge.

Oh man.. the beginning of these reviews. always get a great laugh before bed.

Randy, east TX guy here. I'm a subscriber and never miss your show. I've learned a lot and enjoy your honest presentation of all things audio. Just want to say thanks and please keep it going. Very helpful to so many viewers. Stay safe and Happy New Year 2022.

I love this guy, great content! Keep it up. Pulled the trigger on my left, right and center numi speakers for surround system, and just bought the emotiva b+1 for the small study room. Thank you for your help.

This is a wonderful channel. Randy, you’re my new favorite channel on KZfaq. Recently subbed and figuring out how to get back in the game. Thanks so much.

Dude, I love your videos!! So far, you're spot on in your conclusions; gives me confidence in all your other gear recommendations. Great content. Please, don't ever stop.

This video made me want to try a pair out for myself. There was just no way a sub $300 speaker could sound that good. They didn't disappoint. I was blown away by their authority, speed, and jaw dropping clarity. This was my first ever AMT tweeter experience and it's definitely no gimmick. That thing is clear as a bell without a hint of brightness, which is a remarkable achievement. Bravo, Emotiva. Alas... I sent them back as I still prefer the sound of my vintage Def Tech towers. I know it's not a fair fight, but both have their own unique strengths. The Emotivas still kill it with their clarity. Emotivas were a damn fun listen and I was glad to have played with them. And I honestly really dig their looks. Not flashy. Not boring. Just unique and politely badass looking, if that makes sense. Solid build too. Excellent video, Randy!

This was a tough race Randy. Good work! Thumbs up.

just discovering your channel -- great stuff! thank you for putting out great content.

Dope ass shirt Bruh!! 👍 Lovin’ what you’re laying down... preach!

Sending thanks to you and the Audiophiliac for your knowledge but especially for your ears...they enabled me to buy a set of the Emotiva B1+ speakers without auditioning them in person before purchase... something I never thought I could do or would do. You guys are great! Keep up the excellent work. Cheers!

Brother, awesome channel and content. The intros and sponsors resonate with me (pun intended). I, too, feel that audio equipment should not cost more than a weekend trip to the emergency animal hospital for emergency surgery, to remove two silicone cupcake sleeves from your Great Pyrenees/Sheppard's lower intestine. Keep the content rolling!

I totally missed this video 8 months ago but watching it now just for the hell of it !!

Hi Randy. Love your channel. How would you compare these speakers with the Jamo c93 ii? Which one do you think is better?

Love this shootout! I am about to buy the JBL Arena a190’s to compare to my long time JBL Studio 580’s. I feel like I need something with a little more liveliness in the top end; and while the stage’s are still warm I fell like they’ll be less warm than my studio 580’s.

Thanks for the awesome info Randy!! I really liked the emotiva zeros but I feel they are missing something in the midrange. Maybe recessed? The highs are great and the bass was better than expected. I have Polk lsim705 in route and will likely try the t1+.

Thanks Randy! I bought my Emotiva b1's through your link. Maybe a boring comment but it's the first new pair of speakers I've bought in 18 F**king YeArS!! Love your channel bro, so fresh and exciting, like a new pair of speakers!!!

Sitting here in January 2024 wishing EITHER of these were still available.... *cries*

Great Shootout!!! Having to pick between the two is a good problem to have. 👍

It's really hard today to buy speakers because there are so many good choices out there at ridiculous low prices. Good job Randy

I HATE/LOVE you cheap audio man...I just bought my first "decent" speakers. I bought some new Airmotiv b1+ ..thanks for all the help reviewing these for us!~

It's just me. Your reviews are so consistent that since you use the same music with each test, the same equipment, your descriptions are or seem extremely dependable. I have purchased all my equipment based on your reviews. Maybe it's time to do a CD player? Nice work.

After watching your reviews on those JBL's. I just bought them on crutchfield.

Great job parsing out the differences using language we can grasp. Thanks! (I'm a happy Emotiva tower listener.)

Thanks!

Great Video, I currently have NHT subzero 2.1 as my surrounds, I just upgraded my towers to the Emotiva T0's, would I notice any true difference replacing my NHT subzero's with the Emo B1's?

Good morning sir. I see two links for the B1+ in the description. Which one gets you $ for the sale? I haven't settled on an Emotiva speaker purch yet. I hope to see you review their C1+. I am going back and rewatch, for the fifth time, your T-Zero review. I'd better order fast, they are likely going to sell out of everything again. It would be AWESOME if you would set-up all of the Emotiva speakers you have on your HT receiver and tell us about your experience. Please.

Wound be interested to get your thoughts on the Fluance signature series bookshelf’s you reviewed recently compared to theses 2. Thx. Ken

Exactly how I see (hear) my JBL Studio 220. Extra sound stage! It's like listening to a live performance. No extra color, pure reality. I saw many videos in KZfaq that JBL (Studio 230) was being matched against high end speakers like B&W and Dynaudio which are 4-6 times more expensive. JBL Studio 220 differs only in cone color than the A130.

Great comparison! Could you do a review of the Polk Audio LSIM 703?👍

I have a pair of X- STATIK LOUDSPEAKERS KIT FROM GR RESEARCH I built. They sound great. They were $399 a pair but are now $600+ now.

Excellent comparison. Your reviews are the most "fun" vs other guy who might be more detailed or analytical...a warm approach vs cold. You'd be the guy to have a beer or coffee with. Other guy maybe a recommendation for a restaurant. Anyway JBL-$180, B1+ $230. If that makes a difference

Man that was a great intro joke this time. Funny AF!

I'm going with the Emotivas based on your review here and on another Video you did. JBL's were winking at me. I had a pair of JBLs 100s Mid towers over 40 years ago. Paired with a now vintage Pioneer Receiver (yeah the famous one with only 20 Watts per channel [real Watts]). I had them for a5 years and then passed them on to my brother in law who would DJ weekends for another 20 years or so. They never failed, nor ever repaired. I ordered a pair of Sony CSS5s which are very good, but having seen Randy's appreciation for the Emotivas, they will probably go back - Thank You Amazon for a great Return policy. I will test both in my system where I play two pairs of speakers in my basement studio with 2 different Amps : a Denon DRA-800H (no video used), and a IOTA SA3 combined with a Emotiva A-300 Amp (which doesn't Break a Sweat - great Amp). We will see.... THX and be safe all. Oh Randy....You are in NE? Big Snow coming .

So, for a bit over $400 you could buy both, have the option of playing one for some music, the other for other music, or both at the same time for a really immersive, detailed music experience. Years ago I paired up Paradigm and Polk speakers as they complimented each other. Yes, it can affect imaging, etc., but it sounded really nice. You spend more and you might get that sound combination with just two speakers or you might not. As to playing an 8 ohm with a 6 ohm in parallel, never had an issue with either a Marantz or an HK 3490 at the time. The hardest thing today is finding an amp with speaker a+b outputs. So buy one or the other...or both.

I wonder how these JBLs/emotiva match up against the KEF Q series or the Q acoustics 3200i/3300i. I'm trying to decide which bookshelves and center to get for my home theater. I don't mine using a bookshelf speaker as a center either. I think Q acoustics have more bass which would help since I don't have a subwoofer, but ugh analysis paralysis.

I bought these, dropped one and broke the channel ports. Speaker held up like a champ and was able to fix it on my own. 10/10 durability on these.

That’s the shootout I was waiting for. Which will win their place on my office desk?

Another informative video sir.👍 Randy i have a pair of Edifier s3000pro hi res audio speakers and i would like to know how to get the most out of them. What do you recommend? External DAC or streamer or what if anything?

Do you think the JBL‘s would be good to put in my garage for awesome sound

Hey Randy, can you do a comparison between the Quad S2 Speakers vs. Elac B6 Debut Reference? Oh and let me know if and when you're in Vegas. Thanks.

As soon as you explained what those a130 can do I went ahead and bought them

To cheapaudioman, I’m going to suggest listening to Rush “Limelight”. At 3:15 Alex Lifeson’s solo is ending and he sustains the last note for about 18 seconds. The sustain is barely audible. I had played that song hundreds of times and never even noticed it, and then one day a particular speaker articulated it super clearly. Now I can always hear it, but some speakers play the note much louder than others. However, I have know idea what comparative loudness of the note is correct. However, I think it might be an interesting point talking midrange. I think note is C#6, 1108Hz

Randy I feel like buying a par of these JBL Stage 130 , however they retail here in Brasil for the same price as the Pioneer SP-BS22LR . Tough decision . Which should I buy ???

Klipsh rp-150m, r-25c or Emotiva b2+ and c1? Which would you go with. Primary is HT.

I'm listening to this review on my brand new JBL Stage A130s. I'm enamored with these things. They're nuts. I want to get the A170 towers, but I'm not sure how to pitch that to my old lady... Good review, man.

Good stuff here, good stuff!

Would the JBL A130s be good for left and right mains in a home theater setup?

Where did you get the coffee mug? I second the do a CD player review!

Nice comparison.

If we compared these JBL’s in terms of presence and filling up a room with great soundstage to the Dali Spektor 2’s, what would you say?

Is the JBL good for longer period of music listening?

I just installed the the JBL Stage a130, and hooked it up to my new Sony STR DH190. I believe this may be the "break in" period. The CD's sound a bit better than the record. But that could mean a turntable upgrade in the future. However I knew I made a good choice when I heard a good upright bass from John Coltrane's "Giant Steps," album.

Any progress on the Hsu ccb8? Doin it?

what is your recommendation for a near field desktop 2.1 configuration ? (smaller is better on a desk) thanks

Do you have to have a special home theater receiver to play the B1 plus over the JVL?

Just an FYI, the Studio 530s are $280 a pair on the JBL website.

Randy. QQ. Im planning my new listening room/bar at home. And was wondering.. I ordered the emotiva Basx A2 and TA1 based on your recommendation(you should have $4 going your way) Now I want to get speakers. Emotiva B1 or Elac 2.0 B6.2.?? Will be listening to music only, though DAC, CD or phono. My room is 10x16, listening on the short side. Please advice.

Can you please compare Sony SSCS5 vs the jbl in this video?

I pressed the thumbs up button on this video. I pressed it many times and it didn’t make a difference. I also long pressed the thumb and it didn’t make it bigger. Your channel is broken, can you have your interns look into this? Thanks!

Hey, Randy (or any reader here) - please give me your hot take. Is it worth swapping my Klipsch R-51Ms for the JBL A130s? It’s for medium-sized office/room set up using only two L-R speakers on stands to provide sound for a wall mounted TV and a turntable (Audio Technica LP5 with iFi Zen phono) that are running through a pretty good Onkyo AV receiver. The Klipschs sound ‘okay’ to my ears but less dynamic than I expected. Is there much to gain here? Your opinion would be greatly appreciate. Cheers!

Those Emotivas are unbeatable

Ooo is that a Bluesound Node 2i I see behind you? When’s that review coming?

Randall..... Oh you make life difficult. LOL. B1+ is back in stock. My only concern, if it should be is my receiver states "8 ohms only". Maybe I should just be a renegade and get the JBLs. As usual, your are the man. And, to the viewer who asked Bluesound Node 2i is awesome. Thanks man!

Randy my question which is most important to me, is the self life of these products any good....how long will the woofer last before the the woofers disnergrate ?

Nice t-shirt. Motorcycle channels are the other half of my youtube viewing. (Street twin rider)

I wonder if Emotiva's coloration will go away after calibration with an AVR. Some of it surely will be corrected.

I finally had the opportunity to compare the Emotiva B1+ and the JBL Stage A130. The sounds were surprisingly similar. Both well-balanced with bass, midrange and treble pleasingly integrated. I used the Yamaha A-S301 Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier to drive these speakers. I also compared these two speakers to the QAcoustics 3030i using the stereo amplifier to switch from one speaker set to the other, then combining the A +B speakers. That's a really good way to determine which sounded the best. I liked the both the Emotiva and the JBL speakers, but I preferred the QAcoustics 3030i to either one. Those speakers had a fuller sound and seemed to have more heft behind them. Of course, the 3030i is double the price of either and has a 6.5 inch woofer. That said they each had decent bass but none of them went deep into bass territory. I would supplement each of these speakers with at least a 10-inch subwoofer. I played a few of the songs I usually listen to in evaluating the music produced by each. I even tried Chocolate Chip Trip by Tool and a few Metallica songs just to test each system. I even played Spaces by Yosi Horikawa. That song seemed to be made just to test staging capabilities of speaker systems. None of those songs are what I listen to. To be just upfront, I am not a Metallica fan and I don't care for heavy metal. I usually go for the songs and not necessarily the singers. I do prefer ballads, Strauss waltzes, some folk songs, some folk-country and a variety of instrumentals. The song is paramount, the singer secondary. I have liked some singers but not necessarily the songs they sing. So what did I do? I paired each to a 3030i (I ordered two pairs sometime back) and added a sub to each set. Playing A + B speakers together produces amazing sound over a wide soundstage. I have the Emotivas as the B and 3030i in one set and the JBLs and the 3030i in another set in another room. The songs that I used to test the systems each provide a good indication of what the speakers can do and just how they sound with the music that I like to hear. 1. Wheels by the Stringalongs. If the guitar riff in the beginning of the song is strong and has body to it, I would be satisfied with the speakers. This is probably my favorite instrumental of all time. 2. Keith Whitley and Lorrie Morgan: Till each Tear Becomes a Rose. There is deep and tight bass in the song. Keith's voice is gritty and Lorrie's is smooth. I look for that deep bass in evaluating speakers. 3. Willie and Paula Nelson: Have You Ever Seen the Rain. The bass comes in deep but not overpowering. Vocals need to be pleasing and not harsh. 4. Emmylou Harris and Iris Dement: Wildwood Flower. There is no bass in the beginning but starts ramping up after the initial vocals. When the bass really kicks in, it sounds like it's coming from the floor. I usually adjust the sub to achieve that and no more than that. I want the bass to be a natural extension of the song and not overpowering. One of my favorite songs. 5. Sophie Zelmani: How it Feels. The bass is really deep and thudding. It almost overpowers the rest of the song. I like the song but the bass is just too deep. It does provide a good test of the bass on each speaker. A new favorite for me. It popped up in one of those high fidelity test tracks that run an hour or so. It immediately caught my attention. 6. Tony Orlando and Dawn: Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree. This song is lively and has tight bass. 7. George Baker Selection: Una Paloma Blanca. I look for a clear, lively sound in this song. If it sounds flat, it's a no-go. One of my all-time favorites. 8. Just for fun, I play the Airwolf theme from the TV series Airwolf. That song sounds spectacular when played in good hifi system. 9. Finally, Shania Twain and Willie Nelson live performance in New York: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. Bass is tight and deep but not overpowering. This is a beautiful song and one of my favorite songs of all time.

Curious, in an earlier review you had very good things to say about the Polk Tsi100. Still available at $150 and is about the same class as these two. Does the Polk still compete. Well and hold its own

I have the B1's and the JBL's are arriving Tuesday. It will be interesting to see how close my observations are to yours, Randy

B1+ seem like they would be a great first Desktop Speaker setup, maybe a Dayton Audio HTA20BT Hybrid Tube Amp would work good to power them

Can u recomand cheap gramophone? Or do somethink like "best gramophones for 300$"?

In Canada, I need to pay shipping for Emotiva. Not on JBL. So 400$ canadian pesos for JBL and 480 for Emotiva.. What to choose?

How far apart do you set your speakers and how far do you set yourself from your speakers when you do your critically listening? Just a ballpark...

Glad to hear you like the JBL speakers. I just picked up the JBL Stage A135s and a A135C (center speaker) a week ago and they are really good! For home theater I was worried about the A135c because I couldn’t buy it anywhere (it was discontinued?) and there were no reviews anywhere. I needed the slimmer form and finally found it on eBay and pulled the trigger. I’m not an expert but the a135c seemed to hold its own with the A135s. Seems like these JBL speakers have been flying under the radar until recently? Not sure what to make of it. One thing I do know is I’m glad I got these over the Klipsch RP front stage I had bought first (and returned).

Adorama has jamo set with s809 pair s83 center and s803 pair for 399$

Literally me who just picked up a pair of Stage A130 whilst also have an emotiva airmotiv s8 for my PC desktop setup.... HMMM

The comparisons you make is almost like you read people's mind about what they are wondering about

Do you feel these speakers get any better having two pairs? Like a 4.0 or 4.1 system? I mean, is it any use of doubling the speaker qty when you’re not searching for loudness?

Thumbs up...even without seeing the video yet...✌️😆

Do you plan to ever do sound demos with your speaker shootouts? Not that I don't enjoy hearing what you have to say, you are interesting, informative, and entertaining, but it would be nice to actually hear things for ourselves so we can make our own determination. And yes, I do realize there are a myriad of issues with listening through KZfaq, but it's better than nothing, and we are simply trying to get an idea of the way the speaker sounds. If you have both speakers and numerous amps, you could easily set them up for us to hear while controlling the environment as best as possible to allow us to hear the differences for ourselves.

I appreciate the sailor speak

Which of the two speakers would be better for movie soundtracks or are they both equally capable?

Whoa Ven Fee Bear! Anyways, I need of more AMT in my life.

B1+ or B2+ what you think !?

At this price point - close to $200, how would you measure these against the Fluances?

The JBL's big brother, the A170, is on sale for $179 each, that's about $360 for the pair!!!!

My JBL A130's might be my favorite speakers. I need to give the studio 530's more time to run in before I can decide between them. I'm keeping them both regardless.

Which of these two have better imaging ? thank you

Which of the two would you lean towards in a home theater set up?

If you pair these four speakers together do you think that they would complement each other?

I am holding you personally responsible for my audio purchases during the last few months (just kidding). You raved about the JBL Stage A130 and the Emotiva B1+, so I ordered both of them. I’m really glad you did a comparison of the two in the same show. I’ll be testing them once they arrive. I purchased a Fosi Audio BT30D, which is a great little audio receiver with Bluetooth 5.0 and a sub out. It provides enough power to drive the speakers I have. That is the receiver I will be using in my testing room (spare bedroom). I have come full circle with my obsessions. I started with audio in the late 1960s and thought the Bose 901s were terrific in the showroom, but out of my price range back then. I ended up buying 4 Bose 401s and the Bose Acoustimass 5s in 1989. The Bose 401s are 4 ohms speakers that are hard to drive but sound pretty good. I still have those in my garage. Bose does make durable speakers because they’ve survived several moves since then. The Acoustimass speakers are still boxed up and will remain in my garage. My hobbies started with audio in the 1960s, moved to video and computers, and back to audio now. I have been listening to a lot of reviewers in the past few months and have made purchases based on them. I now have the Diamond 12.2s and the QAcoustics 3030i. Based on your recommendations, I now have the Klipsch RP61 II and the JBL and Emotiva B1+ in transit. I want to be immersed in sound in whatever room I happen to be in. These speakers will help get me there. Why so many speakers? Well, life is short, I have several unused rooms in my house and some old AV receivers that I have boxed up and am now putting back into action. I’ve ordered Bluetooth adapters to attach to each of them. I’m not running a long audio cord to my listening position from each receiver. I love listening to music but I am not paying $2,000+ for a pair of speakers or for an amplifier. That’s why it’s important that I get the best bang for the buck while staying within a budget of $500 or so for each piece of equipment. You have helped steer a lot of people to affordable audio equipment and I thank you for that. I have listened to several test tracks that you use but that is music I wouldn’t normally listen to except for testing purposes. I ran across one by Sophie Zelmani (How it Feels) which has really deep bass but is a beautiful song to listen to. I listen to that song a lot on my systems. I also like a lot of Tracy Chapman videos. I never heard of her until you mentioned her in one of your reviews. Keep up the good work. Each reviewer has his own style and your laid back approach booboos and all is a welcome contrast to some of the other reviewers. I enjoy them all while keeping in mind that their music tastes could be entirely different from mine. In the end, of course, I will be the final judge.

Great video buddy. I’m going with the B1 because of there size for a small space I have. I wish I could gate the Emotiva amp but I need a small amp because off the space I’m placing it. Can you place a recommend amp for the B1s Thanks buddy

Great review. You know it confuses me about the term desktop? are people actually putting their speakers on stands beside a desktop so it's near field because speakers do not ever belong on a desktop. Just a sound waves off of the woofer are coming right off of a huge flat surface below it and it's just all wrong. If they're not on stands of any kind. Then you can never hope to realize the potential of any speaker they don't belong on a large flat surface. Sorry just saying .

It's Emotiva for me

86db sensitivity is just too low for me. 88db and up is my preference. Question, why do so many speaker manufacturers build their speakders this way except Klipsch?

Price differences?

omg the emotivas are soo hard to beat on clarity...i wonder if the emotivas clarity can beat speakers above the 500 dollar range for example elacs unifi 2.0

I KNEW this result before, that both speakers are of equal quality! Personally would like to have a speaker with real wood - because you (I) eat with your eyes first. Besides, I bought used speakers: Pioneer CS 980, including a receiver for 50 € from approximately 2000. They sound great, because the speakers are great (big). Well, it's always the same story: My wife doesn't like big speakers.

Hey Randy, love the channel. For $180 a pair of those JBLs are a steal. Hard to believe the Infinity reference R162 go on sale for even less. How about a review of some Bluetooth speakers like the JBL Boombox, UE Hyperboom,etc?